Spent Fuel Reprocessing Options

Analysts predict a substantial global growth in the nuclear industry over the next century in response to environmental issues and concerns about the sustainability of the world’s energy supply. However, the projected growth of the nuclear industry and quantities of resultant spent fuel could cause stress to the current international non-proliferation regime. An increase in the quantity of material in the fuel cycle will challenge monitoring and security programmes. As a result, it is necessary to develop innovative means by which to close the nuclear fuel cycle. This publication provides an update on the latest developments in nuclear reprocessing technologies in light of new developments on the global nuclear scene.